In this week’s review, remembering legendary baseball player and broadcaster Joe Morgan. The Cincinnati Bengals barely avoid a shutout against the Baltimore Ravens. While FC Cincinnati’s goal-less and losing streaks continue.

Rest in Peace Joe Morgan

Baseball Hall of Famer Joe Morgan passed away late Sunday at the age of 77. Morgan was one of the stars of the Cincinnati Reds’ Big Red Machine teams. Joining the Reds in 1971, through what could arguably be considered the best trades in the franchise’s history. Morgan helped lead the team to win three National League pennants and their 1975 & 1976 World Series titles. Morgan played for the Reds from 1972-1979. After spending the first nine seasons of his career with the Houston Astros. Making his debut when the team was known as the Colt .45’s.

After returning to Houston for the 1980 season. Morgan spent the rest of his playing career with the San Francisco Giants, Philadelphia Phillies and Oakland Athletics. Along with being known for his base stealing and solid defensive skills. Morgan had one of the most distinctive batting stances in major league history. By flapping his left elbow at the plate.

Morgan won numerous accolades in his 22 years in the major leagues. He appeared in ten MLB All-Star Games and was the 1972 All-Star Games Most Valuable Player. Morgan won the National League’s MVP and Major League Player of the Year awards in 1975 and 1976. The second baseman also won five Gold Gloves and a Silver Slugger award. Morgan was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1990. The Reds also inducted him into the team’s hall of fame and retired his jersey number. After retiring in 1984, Morgan spent many years as a baseball broadcaster.

Morgan’s death is the most recent in a year where many hall of famers have died. In the last several days, Whitey Ford and Bob Gibson also passed away. Earlier this year, one of Morgan’s Reds teammates Tom Seaver passed away. Funeral arrangements for Morgan have not been announced.

Cincinnati Bengals battered by Baltimore Ravens in Week 5

The Cincinnati Bengals endured a drubbing on Sunday. Losing 27-3 on the road against the Baltimore Ravens. The Bengals lone points came through a late fourth quarter field goal. After performing at times like a veteran quarterback in his first four game. Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow got a rough reminder of his rookie status on Sunday.

Burrow endured a “welcome to the NFL and AFC North” pummeling from the Ravens defense. In Burrow’s first career game against the Ravens and second divisional game. Burrow was sacked seven times, threw an interception and fumbled the ball twice. He faced a particularly hard time against a fellow 2020 LSU Football alum. Ravens linebacker Patrick Queen had a stellar day against his college teammate. Leading the game defensively with nine tackles, a sack and two fumble recoveries. One of those fumble recoveries was returned for a Ravens touchdown.

Burrow’s stunned look on the sidelines was likely mirrored by fans watching the game. Not only did Burrow struggle, the Bengals offensive line struggled to fend off Baltimore’s defense. Leaving Burrow consistently vulnerable to being sacked. Along with this, the Bengals had to do without wide receiver A.J. Green for most of the second half. Green was sidelined in the third quarter with a hamstring injury.

It was part of an unusually quiet day for Green on the field. Being targeted just once with a pass that was intercepted by Baltimore’s Marcus Peters. With Green facing criticism for his seemingly befuddled reaction to that play. Along with that, a social media video prompted speculation over Green’s future with the team. With some alleging Green said the Bengals should trade him on the bench. Ultimately, there is no conclusive evidence to verify what Green said. Nonetheless, the video and Green’s performance prompted post-game questions about his future.

Green wasn’t the only Bengals player sidelined by an injury on Sunday. Defensive Tackle D.J. Reader was carted off of the field in the third with a left knee injury. Defensive End Sam Hubbard left the game in the fourth due to a left elbow injury. Cincinnati’s next game is October 18th against the Indianapolis Colts. Kickoff in Indianapolis is set for 1 PM Eastern time on FOX.

FC Cincinnati’s losing streak and goal-less streak continues

It just wouldn’t be an autumn week in 2020 seemingly without FC Cincinnati being shutout. FC Cincinnati lost both of their matches last week. Losing 1-0 at home against Toronto FC on Sunday night. Last Wednesday, FC Cincinnati lost 3-0 on the road against the Philadelphia Union. Not only did FCC extend their losing streak to four matches on Sunday. They’ve failed to score a goal in any of their last five matches. FCC hasn’t found the back of the net since September 19th.

It wasn’t all doom and gloom for FC Cincinnati last week. Defender Nick Hagglund returned to the pitch Sunday. For his first match since being sidelined by COVID-19. Hagglund returned in time to face his former team. He was drafted by Toronto in 2014 and appeared in 88 matches with them in five seasons.

FC Cincinnati will strive to snap their goal-less losing streak with two matches this week. Starting Wednesday with FCC’s fourth match this season against the Columbus Crew. In the next chapter of their “Hell is Real” derby rivalry. Wednesday’s match at Cincinnati’s Nippert Stadium starts at 7:30 PM Eastern time. FC Cincinnati will wrap up this week with another match at Nippert. Facing D.C. United this coming Sunday night at 7:30 PM Eastern time. Both matches can be seen in Cincinnati on WSTR-TV.

Cincinnati Reds President of baseball operations resigns

Dick Williams resigned from his role as Reds President of Baseball Operations last week. Leaving after five seasons in that role. Williams is leaving on a high note; after the Reds qualified for the postseason for the first time since 2013. Williams joined Cincinnati’s front office in 2006 and previously served as general manager. In recent years, Williams played a major role in player development and the team’s recent rebuilding efforts.